Anthony Tavano was one of the biggest offensive stars in the Blue Water Area the past two seasons.

The recent Richmond High School graduate was arguably the top wide receiver in the area each year but still didn't know if he would have the chance to play on the next level.

After weighing his options and hoping to find the right college to attend, Tavano has made his choice. He will attend and play football at Division III Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio.

"I found out about them through (Richmond football coach John) Kocher, who spoke to the head coach," Tavano recalled. "I went down there for a visit and I liked it a lot. The coaches were really nice and I felt it was a good fit for me down there.

"It was a lot of weight off my shoulders. It's good to know where I'm going. I can now go and create a home down there."

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Richmond's Anthony Tavano catches a ball in the end zone but is called out of bounds during a football game Friday, September 9, 2016 at Richmond High School.(Photo: JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD)

Tavano had 28 catches for 748 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. He was also a dominant basketball player for Richmond.

"The sky is the limit for Anthony," Kocher said. "He converted from quarterback to wide receiver as a junior so he only has two years of experience at the wide receiver position.

"He made the conversion without question and embarked on a mission to become faster and learn a new skill set. He developed great hands, an uncanny ability to track a ball and got his 40 (yard dash) time to 4.5. I think Mount Union got a steal and I expect him to make a push for playing time sooner than later."

Mount Union is one of the premier football programs in Division III, having won 12 national championships, the latest coming in 2015. The school produced NFL wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Cecil Shorts III.

Tavano is just happy to get another opportunity to play the game he enjoys.

"I’m still working out with my high school wide receiver coach," Tavano said. "He is teaching me new things and working me hard. I'm getting myself prepared and in football shape.

"I know they are going to keep me at wide receiver, but I don't know if I will play outside or in the slot. I just want to do my best to get some playing time. I want to go out there and contribute to my team as much as I can.

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Richmond's Anthony Tavano runs the ball as Trevor Barrett blocks Cros-Lex's Austin Smith during a football game Friday, October 30, 2015 at Richmond High School.(Photo: JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD)

Leaving Richmond remains bittersweet for Tavano, but he said he is looking forward to a bright future.

"I had a lot of fun, me and my teammates at Richmond," Tavano said. "We had two great seasons. Our last season, we wanted to do some more, but that’s just the way it goes.

"It’s going to be different. It will take some getting used to (living away from home). Hopefully I meet some good friends and hopefully it will seem like home."

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.